New Party Leader Ultimatum to Netanyahu on Conscription Law

Ofer Winter, chairman of the new "Am Israel" party, issued a stern ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, stating that his party will not join the next government unless a conscription law, ensuring equal burden-sharing for military service, is passed before the government is sworn in. Winter declared, "We will not enter a government that does not pass a law before its establishment that ends draft evasion and requires everyone to enlist and contribute. If this does not happen, we will not be in the government. Period." He emphasized that the conscription law must be passed before the government's inauguration, not as part of coalition agreements or a post-formation promise.

Winter also directly addressed reports of attempts by the Likud party to recruit candidates from his list, specifically mentioning an offer to integrate spokesperson Youssef Haddad. Winter firmly rejected these efforts, stating, "We will not surrender, we will not fall, we will not break apart, and we will not let anyone drive a wedge between us. We are not looking for job arrangements, and you should get used to it, none of my colleagues here are here for a chair." Haddad echoed this sentiment, affirming his loyalty to the party and stating, "We are all one fist. We did not come for the chair, but for the table."

Winter criticized those attempting to undermine his new political movement, accusing them of spreading "spin and lies" and trying to frighten the public. He also apologized to those disappointed by his previous statement about potentially recommending Netanyahu for prime minister, clarifying that his party serves the people, not individuals. He reiterated that they would not align with those who formed a government with the Muslim Brotherhood or those who cannot distinguish between Haddad and Mansour Abbas, indicating a clear ideological stance within the right-wing camp.

Regarding potential alliances, Winter stated that "Am Israel" is open to mergers but only with "new and clean forces" that prioritize the nation's good, were not complicit in the October 7th events, and aim to change the divisive discourse.